Hegseth Says Pentagon Initiating Action to Reduce Retired Pay of Sen. Mark Kelly

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Department of Defense has initiated administrative proceedings against Senator Mark Kelly, a retired U.S. Navy captain, citing alleged misconduct tied to public statements about U.S. military operations.

• Hegseth stated the department has begun a retirement grade determination under 10 U.S.C. § 1370(f), which could reduce Kelly’s retired rank and corresponding military pension.
• The action follows statements made by Kelly between June and December 2025 that the department alleges characterized lawful military operations as illegal and encouraged service members to refuse lawful orders.
• A formal Letter of Censure has been issued and will be placed in Kelly’s permanent military personnel file.
• Kelly has been notified of the action and given 30 days to respond.
• The retirement grade determination process is expected to conclude within 45 days, according to the statement.
• Hegseth said Kelly remains subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice as a retired officer receiving pay.

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Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.